SP1600 Restoration after the fender-bender

[rouxlouis]

Hahaha, I know Paul, there's nothing worse than prepping and applying TLC only for the whole lot to rust away again. Double the work, time and effort for no result. Sal her up nicely!

[arnocill]

I normally use a medium or slow hardener with ms primer, it gives you less over spray and a smoother finish.

[rouxlouis]

Arno, thank you for that, I completely forgot that most spray shops offer fast hardener giving less time to work with. Jolas, listen to this tip from Arno, it is well worth every word and save you hours of hard labour and plenty of bucks!
Big-Up Arno, I only use medium and started-off with slow.
***Critical Milestone in Restoration!!!****

[rouxlouis]

Hi All ACVW People

It's been quite a while since I have posted here (just under three years) and I attended the Spring Day Aircooled run yesterday at Route 44 and I was so happy to see all the friendly faces like Jolas(Paul), Ess and Juergen.

To give you a bit of an update:

About 3 years ago I left the farm in Simondium due my mom being diagnosed with breast cancer.
I packed up everything and headed to Somerset West where she stays.
Before packing up the cars I started the SP and a broken fuel line caused her to catch fire. DEVASTATED again!

















I sent the cars to a workshop in Paarl for (what I thought to be) safekeeping and storage.
After chemo & radiation therapy , my mom made a miraculous recovery over time and clean over a 9 month period.
Just as I thought things were under control , she got diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a golf ball. Devastated!!
The neurosurgeon(miracle worker) went in and removed all of it and I can gladly say that it has now been a year that my mom is fit as a fiddle and happily retired.
During this time I have realized that time spent together is worth so much more than apart and we stay together now.
Long story short, what happened to the cars?????
After many checkup calls to the owner, I was assured that the projects are still safe and sound.
My mom and I agreed to break down a wall to make space for them which is exactly what I did.

I drove through to Paarl to go and have a look to see what I would be dealing with and again DEVASTATED!















Wheels gone from both the SP and the Spyder, both starter motors gone. Deteriorated so much after 3 years and being stripped as it was not locked up!!! Handbrakes stripped, front suspension of the Spyder completely removed.

That's when I decided to get a tow ASAP! Bought some 15" Rostyles and started to get her back on her feet:





Got the towing guy who charged me only R750-00 from Paarl to Somerset West:





And on her way she was:





Once back home (safe & sound) in Somerset West, a good wash and vacuum gave me new hope:









And time to get to work.... go down to bare metal and red oxide to follow:






























































Anyhow , just thought I would let you guys know what's happening and I will keep you updated on the progress.
(sorry -- tried to turn some of the upside down pics ~~ but no success)

Thank you for all the support.

Kind regards

Louis

[Tony Z]

FARK!!!! My heart goes out to you - 3 not so lekka years...
Glad your mother came out OK, hope she remains well. Not a good thing to go through.
And the car... burned down, then ripped off

Hope to see you cruising the streets soon!!

[rouxlouis]

Thank you so much Tony, my mom is in perfect health now and I just want her to enjoy retirement in the comfort of her own home while I look after the maintenance & bills.
Just very happy that I could bring my projects home to keep me happy and busy as well.
3 very difficult years has now caused me to develop an iron set of balls to never give up what/who you love and to keep them close to you.

[jolas]

Fok man ...... I think I would have committed at least 1 murder by now, the d**s looking after your cars would be the first candidate. You must have iron balles to pick up the pieces and start all over again Louis - those pics are just flippen DEPRESSING !!!!!!

Much respect china - for how you are looking after your mom and all - if you need a hand to fetch the Spider remains from Paarl, please just shout, there are enough okes here who will lend a hand - and good luck with the SP build

[retrovan]

Good to see you have kept it together.

says a lot of a man.

Strength and peace and hope the re work project will give you closure.

Good luck & Hope the whole family enjoys good heath.

Herman

[rouxlouis]

Thanks Jolas & Herman

Paul, I might just take you up on your offer when I am ready to load the remains of the Spyder, Thank you for offering your help on this.

Kind regards

Louis

[Terry Phillips]

Louis glad your Mom has made a recovery,I think you must sell that SP its a bad luck car thats one of those Monday cars. Best of luck to you and your Mom hope all goes well.

[calooker]

Good to see you have your life on track.